Panel 3: Transportation and Sustainability Room: CEC 127 Alumni Panelists: Lilly BlasĂŠ, Mike Helgerson, Leslie Kuhnel 1:00-1:15 PM: Carol Redwing Diversity and Outreach Planning for Transportation-oriented Organizations
Abstract: Members of immigrant, refugee, minority, elderly, and visually-impaired communities in the Omaha area are underrepresented in numerous ways: urban transportation planning is one of many overlooked areas for these populations. Marginalized communities have unique transportation needs. Mode Shift Omaha, a local area 501(c)3, is seeking to best understand the multi-modal needs of the underrepresented communities. Research for this project is primarily qualitative as it draws from peer-reviewed literature, local area documentation, data from a focus group, and data gathered from interviews. Interviews are conducted with administration staff of organizations that closely aid in promoting high-quality programming and support for residents with diverse backgrounds. It is imperative that transportation advocacy organizations and city planners bolster their diversity outreach so that there is a reflection of a safe and inclusive Omaha for residents.
1:30-1:45 PM: Evan Schweitz Envisioning Equitable Transit-Oriented Development in Omaha
Abstract: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) seeks to create dense, mixed-use neighborhoods within walking distance of public transportation that maximize transit ridership and improve quality of life for area residents. Based on research and national best-practices, a TOD vision was formed for the area surrounding the North Omaha Transit Center, a Metro station where over 3,000 transit trips converge each week. Located in 68111, this area also represents one of the highest concentrations of low-income and minority residents in the city. Revitalizing this neighborhood would not only increase the utilization of existing transit infrastructure, but also improve social equity through access to employment, affordable housing, healthcare, and other community resources.
2:00-2:15 PM: Michael Munch Pilot Professionalism Rulemaking
Abstract: The FAA is proposing to increase the amount of training pilots need regarding professionalism. Due to the new airline requirement for first officers requiring an ATP, airlines are struggling to fulfill all the flights. The question raised in the paper is: are the safety benefits worth the cost of this proposed ruling? To answer this question, quantitative and qualitative data was pulled from the NTSB database and aviation industry experts. Using time-series data analysis and a cost-benefit analysis, information is quantified to give a supportive answer.
2:30-2:45 PM: Jordan Cook Growing Smart in La Vista for a More Sustainable Future
Most cities are interested in economic growth; however, without careful planning for population and economic growth a city might very well create situations resulting in detrimental long-term impacts. Traditional economic development approaches assume that all growth is good growth. Smart growth, on the other hand, considers growth along with considerations of its impact on the environment and quality of life. This project explores the characteristics and results of smart growth in the City of La Vista by showing progress toward the renovation of an area designated as substandard and blighted.